Ian Creitz

Notes from Ian’s MACHINES show, Southern Vermont Arts Center, 2015:

“MACHINES. Since I ﬁrst began taking photographs over a decade ago, I have experimented with a variety of subjects, including but not limited to landscapes, architecture, animals, and portraits. While I continue to photograph all of these subjects — my two dogs, Tootsie and Jack, remain my constant muses. In the last ﬁve or so years, l’ve found myself most drawn to the theme of architectural decay:collapsing buildings, molding wallpaper, and spray painted symbols all feature heavily in my work. Though I primarily shoot in and around my hometown of Cambridge, New York, my interest in ‘decay’ has taken me across the country via the historic Route 66, in search of forgotten, dilapidated buildings and signs.”

“This collection of photographs continues the theme of decay with a study of long-forgotten machines found within an abandoned hydroelectric plant. These relics in sit and rust, abandoned in favor of newer technology and with the introduction of businesses in the area. Through the years, vandals have damaged the machines, giving the once-similar behemoths unique appearances, even a degree of personality. Somewhat ironically, it is the conﬂuence of Time’s passing and the destructiveness of Man which has given these mechanical marvels those qualities which make them eminently photopraphable – detailed textures, once hidden within smooth steel casing, become visible, while rust, dust and dirt add further texture and contrast, beckoning us to look more closely as we look upon the image as a whole.”

“With this series, I posit that objects which have outlived their functional purpose and which have been largely forgotten might still be appreciated for their rugged beauty and their connection to the past; indeed, many of the structures I photographed for this show would not be out of place in a museum setting, even in the condition in which they are currently to be found. On another note, the images call to mind the “steampunk” aesthetic which has remained popular for decades. I hope you will be as fascinated by these images as I was by the machines themselves when I first beheld them.” Ian Creitz